biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

So almost a year ago, I decided to get a pair of 7443 tower LEDs from superbrightleds.com to swap out my tail lights. However, every time I would go to step on the brake they would keep blowing the 10 amp fuse under the hood that controls the vsc, abs, shift lock, and brake lights.

After some troubleshooting, as well as bouncing ideas off folks here on Scionlife, I learned that our car has sockets that are designed for CK-type bulbs. These bulbs have a different wiring scheme that allows them to function in our car's sockets.

Thus far, there aren't many vendors that offer these CK-type bulbs. The two vendors are:
- www.autolumination.com
- www.vleds.com

V-LEDS CK-type bulbs are sold explicitly on their website and are relatively easy to find just by navigating through the bulb categories. V-LEDS make a solid product and I have their LEDs in my license plate lights as well as parking lights. However, I find $80 for two bulbs to be very expensive:
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED-B...48888-1-2.html

With the CK-type bulbs from V-LEDS being very pricy, I decided to go with a pair of 16-LED towers from autolumination.com. The pair cost me $20. Their site is a bit more 'raw'...all of their 7443 products are listed on one page. Currently, they only explicitly list one model as being available in CK. However, they do offer other models in CK as well...you will need to email them to get the lineup of available CK models. They are good about responding to emails and will gladly help you find the bulbs you need. Just simply ask them which bulbs they offer in CK-type. They'll then give you instructions on how to order the CK-type bulbs from them.
http://autolumination.com/7443_7440.htm

There is one other option for those looking for something a bit challenging, or those that really want a set of 7443's that aren't offered in CK. You modify the wiring of whichever 7443 bulb you choose so that it will function in our car's CK sockets. Look here for Scion202's DIY:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...&postcount=182

Moral of the story...unmodified, standard 7443 LED bulbs will cause our car to blow fuses. You need to purchase CK-type bulbs, or modify the standard bulb.

Papa_Bear

Are you adding another route for current including your taillight? I know if you add another route on to an existing on it requires more amperage. But if you are going off your existing path then it shouldnt blow fuses. How do you have them hooked up?

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

I didn't do anything crazy like that. All I did was take out the OEM 7443 dual filament tailights and replace them with 7443 dual intensity 45 LED towers...

Papa_Bear

Then maybe its too little resistance which allows more amperage to flow through. Because your on the same circuit

Jon

^Exactly.

Tealtoaster

You need to add load resistors to the circuit or you will have the fast blink on the turn signal and this could also explain why you're having fuse problems. Autozone, Advance, Pep, and O'Rly should have load resistors where the led replacement lights are in the lighting section.

SquallLHeart

that isn't the issue. the bulb isn't wired correctly.

the moment you hit the brakes.. the way the wiring is currently on the bulb... will SHORT out the circuit, thus causing the fuse to blow for the brake circuit.. which controls a lot of other things as well.

i got your PM and sent you a reply.

@tealtoaster, there are no load resistors needed. this is a tail/brake bulb... not a turn signal.

Enzie

Aw man, that really is a total bummer D:

Tealtoaster

My bad, he didn't really say what it was he was using them for, I figured the turn signals.

OP just said tail lights.

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

Did some looking...I believe that our cars use CK-type bulbs?...

SquallLHeart

SACK would be the right thing to call it.. but yes.. i believe the "CK" ones would be it.

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

Pretty stupid they think anyone in their right mind would pay $80 for one bulb...or even a pair for that matter. Stupid.

I was talking to some folks at superlumination who have ones available in CK for $10. Are superlumination's pretty good/reputable?

EDIT: Ok. so maybe they are sold by the pair. Still stupid.

SquallLHeart

i usually buy from v-leds.com

however for taillights and the such, i still don't like using led bulbs.

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

Why's that?

SquallLHeart

still doesn't provide the best output for safety and visual concerns

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

Anyone know if a 3157 bulb would work in a 7443 socket? They look identical...

SquallLHeart

no

MightyP

iTrader: (1)

Once you get it working, would you post before and after pictures? I like the idea but am concerned about the loss of light output.

Thanks

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

Absolutely...I am working hard to try to get this to work.

I actually sort of have before/after pics...but these were taken close to sunset right when I was first trying them out...before the fuse blow upon stepping on the brake petal.

They are both taken with the taillights on and NO brake being applied:

Before:


After:


I did some troubleshooting later that night and was able to see how the output looked in the dark and PLEASE believe me, the LEDs produce nearly identical output to the stock incandescents.

The difference was not brightness, but color. The LED produces a very pretty cherry candy red through the tail lenses, which makes the stock incandescent look washed out and almost grapefruit colored in comparison.

I have a set of CK-type LEDs from autolumination on order that should be arriving tomorrow or Saturday. Expect an update around then!!

biglilsteve

iTrader: (2)

Quick update, I received my CK-type LEDs from autolumination.com and they work exactly as they should. Right now in daylight they appear to have similar brightness to the OEM incandescents.

I will add pics this evening when it darkens and include a comparison shot with LED vs stock.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in.

Also, customer service from autolumination is awesome. They were twice as helpful as the folks at superbrightleds.